Growing SME sews up funding as it goes for growth

A Burton-on-Trent based online retailer of needlework, sewing and craft supplies has secured £30,000 from the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Business Loan Fund.

Elizabeth Rocca secured finance through the fund’s delivery partner BCRS Business Loans to support growth following an increase in demand for craft products during the pandemic.

The company, which was established by managing director Sarah Gardiner-Harvey as a lifestyle business in 2017, has experienced impressive growth in recent years and employs two full-time staff and one part-time member of staff.

The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Business Loan Fund is delivered by regional lender BCRS Business Loans in partnership with Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Gardiner-Harvey said: “We are delighted to have secured £30,000 from the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Business Loan Fund to purchase additional stock and enhance our website.

“We applied directly on BCRS Business Loans’ website after finding that we didn’t tick all of the boxes at other lenders.

“This funding boost will help Elizabeth Rocca take the next step on its growth journey and we are very thankful to BCRS for their support and in particular Andrew who was helpful from start to finish.”

Andrew Hustwit, head of business Development at BCRS added: “We are delighted to have delivered the funding that Sarah at Elizabeth Rocca required to kickstart growth plans via the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Business Loan Fund. As a lender dedicated to social and economic impact, we are also excited that an additional job is set to be created at the company in the coming months.

“We are committed to supporting businesses across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent that are looking to grow and recover following the pandemic, but just don’t tick all of the boxes at other lenders. As a non-profit organisation, we can take a human approach to business finance, where we base our decision on you and your business, not computerised credit scores.”

Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said: “Staffordshire has a strong track record for start-up business growth and so it’s great to see Sarah’s company developing with support from our loan fund. Her company has identified growth opportunities over the last two years and has created employment for local people.

“It’s another example of how the loan fund delivers – supporting small viable companies to access essential finance where they have struggled with commercial lenders.

“The fund provides targeted support where it is needed most and enables businesses to expand, diversify and take on new employees.”